Magnus Carlsen's Candid Take on D. Gukesh, World Championship, and Nakamura's 'Shameless Strategy'

Chess legend Magnus Carlsen has once again ignited discussion with his refreshingly honest, some might say brutally frank, assessment of the current state of the World Championship cycle, particularly in light of D. Gukesh's historic Candidates Tournament victory. Carlsen, who famously relinquished his World Champion title in 2023 dueating a lack of motivation to face Ian Nepomniachtchi again, appears largely unmoved by the prospect of the upcoming Gukesh vs.

Ding Liren showdown.

Gukesh, at just 17 years old, made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the Candidates Tournament, earning him the right to challenge reigning World Champion Ding Liren. While the chess world largely celebrates this new dawn, Carlsen's perspective remains grounded, even somewhat detached.

He openly admitted that he is not particularly excited about a potential Gukesh-Ding match, stating, "I don't really know, to be honest. No, I'm not. I'm not thrilled by either." This sentiment underscores his consistent stance that the classical format of the World Championship, especially against certain opponents, simply doesn't ignite his competitive fire anymore.

Carlsen's reservations aren't solely tied to the challengers.

He's previously expressed a desire for a format that better suits his evolving interests, leaning more towards rapid and blitz chess. His relinquishment of the title was a strong statement, indicating that the traditional grind of classical world championships no longer provided sufficient stimulation or challenge to warrant the immense effort required.

A significant part of Carlsen's recent commentary also targeted fellow elite player Hikaru Nakamura and what he termed a “shameless strategy” employed by the American Grandmaster during the latter stages of the Candidates Tournament.

Carlsen suggested that Nakamura’s approach, particularly playing for draws in critical final rounds, contributed to a less thrilling conclusion to the event. This critique highlights Carlsen’s preference for aggressive, decisive play and his apparent disappointment when he perceives a lack of fighting spirit, especially in high-stakes tournaments.

While Carlsen acknowledges Gukesh's incredible achievement, he made it clear that a potential match between Gukesh and Ding Liren doesn't offer the same allure as a hypothetical clash with a peak-form Alireza Firouzja or a more motivated Ian Nepomniachtchi might have.

For the Norwegian prodigy, motivation is the paramount factor. He needs to feel genuinely inspired and challenged to consider re-entering the World Championship fray. Without that deep-seated desire, the glint of the championship title itself holds little sway for a player who has already conquered the chess world multiple times over.

Carlsen's remarks serve as a fascinating insight into the mind of a chess legend grappling with the shifting landscape of professional chess.

His candidness, though sometimes controversial, offers a valuable perspective on the personal motivations that drive the game's top players, and how those motivations can sometimes diverge from traditional expectations.